Data Processing System For Providing An Efficient Market For Specialty Chemicals - II

ABSTRACT

A data processing system that facilitates the buying and selling of specialty chemicals. A uniform standard and specification is established for each specialty chemical that is being offered for sale via the system. The uniform standard and specification is advantageously supplier independent so that a prospective purchaser can directly compare offerings from different suppliers. A prospective purchaser defines a requirement for a specialty chemical that it wishes to purchase. The requirement, which defines acceptable ranges for the characteristics that make up the standard, is input into the data processing system. The requirement is compared, in the data processing system, with analyses of batches of the specialty chemical that are available for purchase through the data processing system in an attempt to find a batch that satisfies the requirement. An indicium of a batch satisfying the requirement is output, from the data processing system, to the prospective purchaser.

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

This case is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/668,688, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electronic commerce in general, and, more particularly, to a data processing system that provides an efficient market for the purchase and sale of specialty chemicals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The chemical industry traditionally divides the market for the sale of chemicals into: (i) bulk chemicals, and (ii) specialty chemicals. Bulk chemicals are typically manufactured using a continuous-flow process, and the process is continually monitored and adjusted to ensure that the resulting product has the desired chemical and physical characteristics. In contrast, specialty chemicals are typically manufactured in discrete batches, and although suppliers desire that the chemical and physical characteristics of the resulting product are identical from batch to batch, variations do occur. Typically, such variability is evaluated using a “standard” and a “specification.”

Typically, a supplier or manufacturer (hereinafter collectively “supplier”) establishes a standard for each specialty chemical that it sells. For the purposes of this disclosure, the “standard” for a specialty chemical is defined as the set of chemical and physical characteristics that are used to describe that specialty chemical. Typically, although not necessarily, a standard is based on the empirical measurements of a sample of a previously-manufactured chemical. Illustrative chemical and physical characteristics include, but are not limited to, hue rating, dichroism rating, dispersion rating, lightness rating, impurities concentrations, etc. Often, the standard for any given specialty chemical comprises over one hundred different chemical and physical characteristics.

To further evaluate the variability of discrete batches, the supplier establishes a “specification.” For the purposes of this disclosure, the “specification” for a specialty chemical is defined as the nominal range for each chemical and physical characteristic listed in the standard. Typically, an upper limit and a lower limit for each chemical and physical characteristic is provided in the specification.

There is usually more than one testing method that can be used to evaluate any particular chemical and physical characteristic of a specialty chemical. Furthermore, it is not atypical for such testing methods to use different scales or bases for evaluating the characteristic. Moreover, testing methods have, in certain cases, idiosyncrasies that tend to skew the data. Because the testing method used typically affects the empirical data obtained for a chemical or physical characteristic, the specification for each chemical and physical characteristic that is evaluated is associated with a testing method. Table 1 depicts a portion of the standard and specification for an illustrative specialty chemical, “Specialty Chemical A.”

TABLE 1 For Specialty Chemical A Specification Standard Test Upper Lower Characteristic Method Limit Limit Dichroism Rating Method 1 3 MD 3 LD Dichroism Rating Method 2 3.5 MD 2.5 LD Lightness Rating Method 3 3 H 3 D Purity Rating Method 4 3 P 3 T Hue Rating Method 5 3 Y 3 B Color Strength Rating Method 6    2+ 2− PH Method 7    9.5 6.5 Arsenic content, ppm Method 8  50 Chromium content, ppm Method 9 100 Mercury content, ppm Method 10  25

The supplier evaluates each batch in accordance with the standard for that specialty chemical and relative to its specification. In other words, a sample of each such batch is tested to obtain a measurement of each chemical and physical characteristic listed in the standard and using the appropriate testing method listed in the specification. Using the empirical data gathered from such tests and the upper and lower limits listed in the specification, the supplier then declares whether the batch is “in-specification” or “out-of-specification” as to each chemical and physical characteristic. Thus, a supplier establishes a standard and specification for each specialty chemical that it manufactures and/or sells and evaluates each batch of specialty chemical relative to the appropriate standard and specification. This approach provides the supplier and a prospective purchaser with a means for evaluating the variation in, and suitability of, each batch of each specialty chemical.

This technique is, however, disadvantageous.

Many consumers of specialty chemicals would prefer to have multiple sources from which to buy their specialty chemicals because it gives them the opportunity to price shop and also because it gives them an secondary source for their specialty chemicals. But comparing the offerings of a single specialty chemical from multiple suppliers is problematic because it is the supplier, and not the purchaser, that sets the standard and specification for its products. And the standards and specifications established by any one specialty chemical supplier for its products are almost always different from those established by other suppliers.

This problem is illustrated in FIG. 1A, wherein prospective purchaser 106-1, who is interested in specialty chemical A, considers purchasing specialty chemical A from three different suppliers, suppliers 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3.

Each of the suppliers analyzes the batches of specialty chemicals that they produce in their own laboratories. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 1, supplier 104-1 analyzes its samples in its laboratory or test facility 107-1, supplier 104-2 analyzes its samples in its test facility 107-2 and supplier 104-3 tests its samples in test facility 107-3.

Supplier 104-1 analyzes its batches of specialty chemical A using standard 1 and specification 1. Analogously, supplier 104-2 uses standard 2 and specification 2, and supplier 104-3 uses standard 3 and specification 3. Table 2 depicts the standard and testing method that each of the three suppliers uses for specialty chemical A.

TABLE 2 Standards and Testing Methods For Specialty Chemical A Supplier 104-1 Supplier 104-2 Supplier 104-3 Test Test Test Standard Used? Method Used? Method Used? Method Dichroism Yes 1 Yes 2 Yes 1 Rating Lightness Yes 3 Yes 3 No N/A Rating Purity Rating Yes 4 No N/A Yes 5 Hue Rating No N/A Yes 6 Yes 6 PH Yes 7 Yes 8 Yes 9

It can be seen from TABLE 2 that suppliers 104-1, 104-2 and 104-3 use different standards. In particular, supplier 104-1 does not measure hue rating, supplier 104-2 does not measure purity rating, and supplier 104-3 does not measure lightness rating. Moreover, to the extent that the various suppliers are measuring the same characteristic, they are, in some cases, using different testing methods for evaluating the characteristics. For example, suppliers 104-1 and 104-3 use method “1” to measure dichroism, but supplier 104-2 uses a different method. As stated above, even though testing method #1 and #2 are intended to measure the same chemical or physical characteristic, the two testing methods are likely to indicate different values, and, therefore, comparing the results of testing method #1 to testing method #2 is like comparing apples to oranges.

As a consequence, prospective purchaser 106-1 might have difficulty comparing the batches of specialty chemical A offered by the three suppliers. Furthermore, prospective purchaser 106-1 might have some reservations about the objectivity of the test results because each supplier tests its own products. One solution to this problem is provided by third-party testing facilities (e.g., www.worldwidetesting.com, etc.) that offer buyers and sellers the benefit of independent (i.e., objective) testing.

The service provided by a third-party testing facility is depicted in FIG. 1B. As depicted in FIG. 1B, the chemical and physical tests are performed by third-party testing facility 107, which is not owned or otherwise associated with suppliers 104-1, 104-2 and 104-3. Although FIG. 1 depicts only one third-party testing facility, in practice there are many more such testing facilities in existence.

Although third-party testing facilities overcome the problem of the objectivity of test results, prospective purchasers are still faced with the problem of how to directly compare product offerings from different suppliers.

Therefore, the need exists for techniques that enable prospective purchasers to compare specialty chemical offerings from different suppliers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a data processing system and method for facilitating the sale of specialty chemicals that avoids some of the costs and disadvantages of techniques in the prior art.

In particular, some embodiments of the present invention establish a uniform standard and specification for each specialty chemical that is being offered for sale via the embodiment. The uniform standard and specification is advantageously supplier independent, and advantageously encompasses most, if not all, of the standards used by the individual suppliers. Consequently, one standard and one specification are advantageously established for each specialty chemical. In this manner, the present invention benefits a prospective purchaser by facilitating a direct comparison of offerings from different suppliers.

Although this is clearly advantageous for purchasers of specialty chemicals, it is also advantageous for the suppliers of specialty chemicals because it enables them to sell non-branded products, and to sell branded products as unbranded. This is advantageous because it provides the supplier of a branded specialty chemical with an alternative marketing/sales channel that does not affect the branded specialty chemical. Furthermore, the supplier can sell the branded specialty chemical as unbranded through embodiments of the present invention at substantial discounts without offending the traditional customers of its branded product.

For example, a situation might arise when a supplier of specialty chemicals has excess inventory of a specialty chemical. To sell such inventory quickly, the supplier might be willing to price the excess specialty chemical below its normal selling price. If a customer of the supplier who had paid the normal price for that specialty chemical learned of this sale, problems would almost certainly arise.

One way to avoid this complication is to sell the excess inventory as a “unbranded” chemical. In other words, the specialty chemical is not identified as being manufactured by the supplier nor is it sold under its trademark. But to what standard and specification does the supplier reference the specialty chemical? If the standard and the specification that it normally used to characterize that specialty chemical are used with the non-branded material, the supplier risks being identified. The illustrative embodiment, wherein a uniform standard and specification is established for each specialty chemical, enables the manufacture to sell its branded products as unbranded, at steep discounts, without compromising itself as the supplier.

In accordance with the present teachings, a sample of each batch of specialty chemical that is available for purchase through the data processing system is analyzed by an independent testing facility, in accordance with the uniform standard established for the chemical. The test results are input into the data processing system and, in some embodiments, are organized into an inventory database. A prospective purchaser patronizing the data processing system establishes a requirement for the specialty chemical that it wishes to purchase. The requirement defines acceptable ranges for the measured values of at least some of the chemical and physical characteristics in the applicable uniform standard.

After the prospective purchaser enters its requirement into the data processing system, the data processing system searches the inventory database in an attempt to identify batches of the specialty chemical for sale that satisfy the purchaser's requirement. If any batches of the specialty chemical are identified that satisfy the purchaser's requirement, then that is reported to the prospective purchaser so that it can purchase the batch through the data processing system.

The illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises: receiving, at a data processing system, a requirement for a specialty chemical from a prospective purchaser; matching, in the data processing system, the requirement to the results of analyses performed on batches of the specialty chemical available for purchase through the data processing system to identify a batch that satisfies the requirement; and outputting, from the data processing system, an indicium of the batch to the prospective purchaser.

In some embodiments of the present invention, information concerning the purchasing activity of patrons of the data processing system is advantageously compiled. Such information might be valuable to suppliers, among others entities, and is advantageously offered (e.g., for sale, etc.) to interested parties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a typical interaction, in the prior art, between suppliers of specialty chemicals and a prospective purchaser preliminary to the sale/purchase of a specialty chemical.

FIG. 1B depicts an interaction, via a prior art e-commerce site, between suppliers of specialty chemicals and a prospective purchaser preliminary to the sale/purchase of a specialty chemical.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of data processing system 202 depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of data storage device 320 depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of a first method in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative method for carrying out operation 540 of the method depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts, via block flow diagram, the method depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts analyses of specialty chemicals offered for sale over the data processing system being stored in an inventory database.

FIG. 9 depicts, via block flow diagram, a prospective purchaser defining a requirement for a specialty chemical that it wishes to buy, and further depicts operation 540 and 542 of the method depicted in FIG. 8, and further depicts the compiling of statistics and the disbursement of such statistics to statistics subscribers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention in which data processing system 202 provides a market for the purchase and sale of specialty chemicals. The specialty chemicals, which are being sold by a plurality of suppliers, suppliers 104-1 through 104-n, may be purchased by a plurality of prospective purchasers 106-1 through 106-m.

The heart of the illustrative embodiment is data processing system 202 that:

-   -   receives data from one or more testing facilities 208 that test,         according to a uniform standard and testing methods, samples of         batches of specialty chemicals that are provided by specialty         chemicals suppliers 104-1 through 104-n;     -   stores the empirical testing data in an inventory database;     -   receives requirements data from prospective purchaser 106-1,         etc., concerning a specialty chemical that it wishes to         purchase;     -   attempts to identify, using the inventory database, at least one         batch of specialty chemical that satisfies the requirements data         of the prospective purchaser; and     -   facilitates a sale of the identified batch by advising the         prospective purchaser of the existence of the identified batch.

Some of the information that is input into and/or is generated by data processing system 202 might be valuable. For example, specialty chemicals suppliers 104-1 through 104-n might have an interest in, and might be willing to pay for, information about the purchasing activity of other patrons of the present invention.

Consequently, in some embodiments of the present invention, information (hereinafter “statistics”) is offered (e.g., for purchase, etc.) to interested parties, which may include specialty chemicals suppliers and/or others (hereinafter collectively referred to as “statistics subscribers” 210).

Overview of Data Processing System Operations and Communications

Each prospective purchaser and specialty chemicals supplier is advantageously capable of providing data to and receiving data from data processing system 202 via a data network (e.g., the Internet, etc.) or via a telephone network (e.g., the Public Switch Telephone Network, etc.) or both. Moreover, any testing facility 208 that is not co-located with data processing system 202 (hereinafter a “remote testing facility”), advantageously communicates with data processing system 202 via a data network or via a telephone network or both.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of data processing system 202, which comprises: data network interface 312, telephone network interface 314, telephone center 316, computer 318, data storage device 320, local output device 322 and local input device 324.

Data network interface 312 enables prospective purchasers, suppliers, testing facilities and statistics subscribers to communicate with data processing system 202 via a data network, such as the Internet. For example, data processing system 202 can be accessed via the World Wide Web.

Alternatively, prospective purchasers, suppliers, testing facilities and statistics subscribers can communicate with data processing system 202 via telephone, such as through a toll-free “800” number. To this end, telephone network interface 314 advantageously comprises one or more telephones that are capable of receiving calls from and placing calls to prospective purchasers, testing facilities and statistics subscribers. Telephone network interface 314 can further comprise an automatic call distribution system, in well-known fashion, for routing incoming calls to the various telephones. Furthermore, telephone network interface 314 is advantageously capable of receiving information from prospective purchasers, suppliers, testing facilities and statistics subscribers via a touch-tone interface wherein the parties input information into the system by pushing the buttons on their telephones in response to queries from an automated operator.

Telephone center 316 advantageously comprises one or more computer terminals. The terminals are operated by personnel associated with telephone network interface 314 such that an operator (either human or automated) can shuttle data between computer 318 and prospective purchasers, suppliers, testing facilities or statistics subscribers that are in contact with data processing system 202 via telephone network interface 314.

Computer 318 is advantageously a general-purpose computer as is well-known in the art that is capable of:

-   -   receiving data from and outputting data to telephone center 316;     -   receiving data from and outputting data to data network         interface 312;     -   executing one or more programs that are stored in data storage         device 320;     -   storing data in and retrieving data from data storage device         320;     -   providing data to local output device 322; and     -   receiving data from local input device 324.

Data storage device 320 is advantageously a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk, for storing program code executed by computer 318 and for storing the data that is input into and generated by data processing system 202. More particularly, data storage device 320 advantageously comprises program code 426, uniform standards database 428, specifications database 430, inventory database 432, customer requirements database 434 and statistics database 436 (see FIG. 4.), all of which are described in more detail later in this disclosure.

Data from data processing system 202 is advantageously output to local output device 322 for delivery to suppliers, prospective purchasers and statistics subscribers. Local output device 322 can be, without limitation, a printer, a tape drive, removable hard disk (e.g., zip drive, etc.) or magneto-optical drive (e.g., DVD-ROM drive, etc.). Of course, the data can be output directly to data network interface 312 and routed, by the network, to the intended recipient if appropriate data transfer capabilities (e.g., high-speed data line) are available.

In embodiments of the present invention in which testing facility 208 is co-located near data processing system 202 (i.e., wherein it is physically located near computer 318), hereinafter referred to as a “local testing facility,” local input device 324 is advantageously used to deliver data to data processing system 202. Local input device 324 can be, without limitation, any of the test equipment used at testing facility 208 (i.e., for testing samples of batches of specialty chemicals) that can generate a signal indicative of the test results. Such equipment will advantageously include an analog-to-digital (“A/D”) converter, although an outboard A/D converter may suitably be used. A digital signal representative of the test results is thereby delivered to data processing system 202. Alternatively, test results can, of course, be manually input (i.e., via a terminal, etc.) to data processing system 202.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use data network interface 312, telephone network interface 314, telephone center 316, computer 318, data storage device 320, local output device 322 and local input device 324. Although data processing system 202 is shown as including only one computer and one storage device, it will be understood that a data processing system in accordance with the present invention can also comprise two or more computers and two or more storage devices.

Establishing a Uniform Standard and Specification

The illustrative embodiment of the present invention establishes a uniform standard for each specialty chemical that is offered for sale via data processing system 202. As used in this disclosure, the term “uniform standard” is defined as a supplier-independent set of chemical characteristics or physical characteristics or both that are used to describe a chemical. Typically, although not necessarily, a uniform standard is based on the empirical measurements of a sample of a previously-manufactured chemical. Alternatively, a uniform standard can be based on the desires or needs of an entity without having first been manufactured.

The chemical and physical characteristics listed in a standard are typically indicative or predictive of a performance attribute of the specialty chemical, although there may be other reasons for including a particular chemical and physical characteristic. For instance, a chemical or physical characteristic may be included solely for historical reasons (i.e., because it has traditionally be reported). An example of chemical and physical characteristics include, without limitation, hue rating, dichroism rating, purity rating, transparency rating, impurities concentrations, etc. The uniform standard for any given specialty chemical will typically comprise many characteristics. The exact number for any given specialty chemical is a function of the specialty chemical itself and what prospective purchasers need and desire. Those skilled in the art will be able to develop a suitable set of chemical and physical characteristics for any given specialty chemical.

A variety of different testing methods may be available for measuring or evaluating any given chemical or physical characteristic. Such different testing methods might evaluate a given chemical and physical characteristic on a different basis (e.g., on a different scale, by a different measurement, etc.). Consequently, in addition to establishing a set of chemical and physical characteristics, specific testing methods are selected for measuring/evaluating the selected characteristics.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that any given specialty chemical might have many uses. The chemical and physical characteristics of interest to a prospective purchaser will therefore depend, to some extent, upon the use that it makes of the specialty chemical. Consequently, the uniform standard (i.e., chemical and physical characteristics and testing methods) for each specialty chemical being sold via data processing system 202 is advantageously developed by the owners/operators of data processing system 202 through discussions with prospective purchasers and suppliers.

Uniform standards that are developed in accordance with the present teachings can be expected, for at least for some specialty chemicals, to comprise more characteristics than the “standards” in the prior art for that specialty chemical. But the present uniform standards are expected to have wide applicability and to be accepted by most prospective purchasers and most suppliers.

The uniform standard for each specialty chemical that is offered for sale over data processing system 202 is advantageously stored in uniform standards database 428. The testing methods used for measuring the chemical and physical characteristics comprising the standard are advantageously stored in uniform standards database 428, as well.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a specification is established for each specialty chemical. The specification for each specialty chemical that is offered for sale over data processing system 202 is advantageously stored in specifications database 430.

An Illustrative Method in Accordance with the Present Invention

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of method 500 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention. For pedagogical purposes, method 500 is first described briefly below and then the various operations that comprise the method are described in further detail in conjunction with FIGS. 6 through 9.

In accordance with operation 538 of method 500, a “requirement” is received, by data processing system 202, from a prospective purchaser. As described in more detail later in this disclosure, the requirement indicates, for a specialty chemical of interest, allowed ranges (from a prospective purchaser's point of view) for the measured values of the various chemical and physical characteristics that make up the uniform standard. That is, the analyses of a batch of specialty chemical must fall within the specified ranges to be acceptable for purchase by the prospective purchaser.

In accordance with operation 540, the purchaser-defined requirement is compared to the results of analyses of batches of that specialty chemical that is being offered for sale via data processing system 202. Batches that satisfy the prospective purchaser's requirement are identified. In operation 542, an indicium of the batch(es) satisfying the requirement is output from data processing system 202 to the prospective purchaser.

The various operations comprising method 500 are now described in further detail.

In operation 540, the purchaser-defined requirement is compared, by data processing system 202, to the analyses of batches of specialty chemicals to identify a batch that satisfies the requirement. Consequently, to carry out operation 540, such analyses must be obtained and compiled by data processing system 202. As depicted in FIG. 6, these steps —“obtaining analyses” (step 644) and “compiling analyses” (step 646)—comprise a method for carrying out operation 540. Steps 644 and 646 are described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

In some embodiments of the present invention, analyses of batches are obtained (step 644) by testing sample(s) of specialty chemical(s), typically provided by suppliers thereof, according to a uniform standard established for each particular specialty chemical.

Such testing is depicted in FIG. 7 wherein specialty chemicals supplier 104-1 delivers sample S1 from one of its batches of specialty chemical A to testing facility 208. Similarly, specialty chemicals supplier 104-2 delivers sample S2 from a batch of specialty chemical A to testing facility 208 and specialty chemicals supplier 104-3 delivers sample S3 from one of its batches of specialty chemical A to testing facility 208. It will be understood, of course, that the present method can be practiced with more than the illustrative three specialty chemicals suppliers, with more samples, with more specialty chemicals, and with more than the one testing facility depicted in FIG. 7.

Each of samples S1, S2 and S3 is tested by testing facility 208 in accordance with the uniform standard established for specialty chemical A. In other words, measurements are taken for each of samples 51, S2 and S3 to determine a value for each of the chemical and physical characteristics that are included in the uniform standard for specialty chemical A. The chemical and physical characteristics are measured using the particular testing methods specified by the uniform standard.

Using the uniform standard, in accordance with the present teachings, as the basis for testing, the samples (each representative of a batch of specialty chemical A from one of the three suppliers) can truly be compared by a prospective purchaser on an “apples-to-apples” basis.

Referring to FIG. 6, according to step 646, the analyses of each batch of specialty chemical being offered for sale via data processing system 202 is compiled in data processing system 202. This operation is illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein the sample analyses are depicted as being in the form of three signals that are input into data processing system 202. More particularly, signal RS1 carries information indicative of the analyses for sample S1, signal RS2 carries information indicative of the analyses for sample S2, signal RS3 carries information indicative of the analyses for sample S3. As previously described, such signals can be generated, for example, by the test equipment that performs the analyses of samples.

As depicted in FIG. 8, in some embodiments of the present invention, the analyses are advantageously organized into inventory database 432, in known fashion.

As additional batches of specialty chemicals become available for sale over data processing system 202, a sample of each such batch is provided to testing facility 208 for testing in accordance with the uniform standard for that particular specialty chemical.

As described above, the analyses are compiled, such as in inventory database 432. In this manner, inventory database 432 is updated as additional batches of specialty chemicals become available for purchase through data processing system 202.

Operations 538 and 540 involve a “requirement” that is specified by a prospective purchaser concerning a particular specialty chemical that it wishes to buy. In operation 538, the requirement is received by the data processing system, and in operation 540, the requirement is compared to the analyses of the specialty chemicals available for purchase.

As described below, this “requirement” is analogous to the previously described “specification.” The difference is that a prospective purchaser defines the requirement, while a supplier, at least traditionally, defines the specification. In accordance with the present teachings, the prospective purchaser defines the requirement in one of several ways.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the prospective purchaser is presented (by data processing system 202) with a list of chemical and physical characteristics and testing methods for a particular specialty chemical that it wishes to buy. The prospective purchaser defines, for at least some of the chemical and physical characteristics (i.e., those considered to be important), a range of acceptable values. That is, a minimum value and maximum value are advantageously listed for at least some chemical and physical characteristics.

Thus, the term “requirement” refers, in this embodiment, to the aforementioned prospective-purchaser defined range of acceptable values for at least a part of the set of chemical and physical characteristics comprising the uniform standard for a particular specialty chemical. This embodiment is depicted, figuratively, in FIG. 9 at block 950 wherein prospective purchaser 106-1 has access to uniform standards database 428.

Rather than defining its own requirement “from scratch” as in the above-described embodiment, a prospective purchaser might prefer to use a specification that has been previously established for the specialty chemical that it wishes to buy. This is depicted, figuratively, in FIG. 9 at block 950, wherein prospective purchaser 106-1 has access to specifications database 430.

The established specification can be the specification developed for the particular specialty chemical by the owner/operator of data processing system 202. Or, based on a past sales relationship with a specific supplier, a prospective purchaser might wish to use that supplier's specification for the particular specialty chemical that it wants to buy. Thus, the established specification can alternatively be the specification developed for the particular specialty chemical by any of the suppliers patronizing the system.

To the extent that a supplier's specification applies to chemical and physical characteristics or testing methods that are different than those comprising the uniform standard, such a specification, or certain entries in the specification, cannot be used. Specifications from suppliers are advantageously stored in specifications database 430.

Typically, a prospective purchaser's requirement for a particular specialty chemical will not change with repeated purchases. Consequently, in some embodiments of the present invention, the prospective purchaser 106-1 advantageously stores its requirement for a particular specialty chemical in requirements database 334. For subsequent purchases of the same specialty chemical, the prospective purchaser simply references its archived requirement. This is figuratively depicted in FIG. 9 at block 950, wherein the prospective purchaser has access to requirements database 434.

As used herein, the term “requirement” or “defining a requirement” encompasses all of the above-described embodiments (i.e., specifying a range for some or all of the characteristics in the uniform standard, referencing a specification stored in specifications database 430 and referencing a requirement stored in requirements database 434).

Referring now to FIG. 5, operation 540 requires comparing the requirement to the analyses. In one embodiment in accordance with the present teachings, the comparison operation involves searching inventory database 432 for batches of the specialty chemical of interest that meet or satisfy the requirement. As used herein the phrase “satisfy the requirement” or “satisfies the requirement” means that the measured values for the various physical and chemical characteristics (i.e., the analyses of a batch) fall within the nominal ranges for such values as specified in the requirement. Operation 540 is depicted, figuratively, in FIG. 9 at block 952.

In accordance with operation 542, the prospective purchaser is notified of the results of comparison operation 540. The analyses of the batch or batches meeting the requirement are advantageously provided to the prospective purchaser. In some embodiments of the invention, an indicium that uniquely identifies (e.g., via a code, etc.) each selected batch of specialty chemical is provided to the prospective purchaser. In some embodiments of the present invention, the indicium does not otherwise provide any identifying information about the batch (e.g., the identity of the supplier, the brand name of the product, etc.) to the prospective purchaser. The notification operation is figuratively depicted in FIG. 9 by signal 954 that is routed to prospective purchaser 106-1.

It will be appreciated that the requirement defined by a prospective purchaser may include a substantial list of chemical and physical characteristics. Consequently, it is anticipated that, at least in some instances, all batches of the specialty chemical of interest in inventory may be out of range (i.e., not meet the requirement) for at least some of the characteristics. To that end, in some embodiments in accordance with the present teachings, the prospective purchaser can assign a priority to each chemical and physical characteristic.

For example, in some embodiments, if a relatively “higher” priority is assigned to certain chemical and physical characteristics, the requirement for those characteristics must be met for a batch of the specialty chemical in inventory to be considered acceptable for purchase. On the other hand, if a batch of specialty chemical does not satisfy the requirement for several characteristics that are assigned a relatively “lower” priority, the batch may still be considered to be acceptable (i.e., meeting the requirement). As a consequence, batches of a specialty chemical of interest that would otherwise not pass muster are brought to the attention of a prospective purchaser. In this manner, among others, data processing system 102 facilitates the sale of specialty chemicals. Those skilled in the art are readily able to assign such priorities as a function of the intended application for the specialty chemical.

Apprised by data processing system 202 of suitable batches of a specialty chemical, the prospective purchaser can choose to purchase one or more of the batches. A purchase is made via data processing system 202 using telephone, e-mail, etc. This operation is figuratively depicted in FIG. 8 wherein signal 956 is sent to data processing system 202.

Data processing system 202 advantageously compiles statistics concerning activity within the data processing system. The statistics might include, but are not limited to:

-   -   The amount of a particular specialty chemical that is purchased         by a specific purchaser;     -   The relative sales volumes of the various specialty chemicals         being sold over the data processing system;     -   The requirement defined for specific specialty chemicals by         prospective purchasers; and     -   Time sensitive or perishable information concerning when a         purchase of a particular specialty chemical occurs.

Regarding time sensitive or perishable information, the purchasing activity of a patron of data processing system 202 might be indicative, in some cases, of additional specialty chemicals that it may soon purchase.

For example, assume that the manufacture of product X requires specialty chemicals A, B, C, D and E. Also assume that, as a function of the manufacturing process, specialty chemicals A and B are obtained and used first, specialty chemicals C and D are obtained and used second, and specialty chemical E is obtained and used last.

Consequently, when a patron of data processing system 202 has ordered specialty chemicals A and B, it is known to a high degree of certainty that the patron is manufacturing product X and might place an order for chemicals C, D and E in the near future. To a supplier that produces any of the specialty chemicals C, D and E, knowledge of the purchase of chemicals A and B and when such purchase occurred, might be very valuable.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to compile such statistics, which, in some embodiments, are stored in statistics database 436. The statistics are advantageously re-compiled each time a new sale is made. The operation of compiling statistics is depicted, figuratively, in FIG. 9 by signal 958 (i.e., delivering purchasing/sales information to statistics database) and by signal 960 (i.e., delivering requirements information to statistics database).

Because the statistics compiled in statistics database 436 are valuable (i.e., to specialty chemicals suppliers, among others) they can be sold. FIG. 9 depicts the disbursement of statistics, via signal 962, to statistics subscribers 210 on any basis desired (e.g., in exchange for money, as incentive to patronize data processing system 202, etc.).

Among the many benefits that the present invention provides is the ability for a supplier to offer a non-branded product. As discussed in the Summary section, selling a non-branded product via conventional sales channels is somewhat problematic. In particular, to what standard and specification does the supplier reference its unbranded product? In accordance with the present teachings, analyses of all batches of specialty chemicals that are offered for sale through data processing system 202 are advantageously referenced to the applicable uniform standard, thereby circumventing this problem.

A method for selling non-branded product in accordance with the present invention is consistent with the methods already described. In particular, such a method comprises:

-   -   receiving a sample of a batch of a first specialty chemical that         is to be sold at a reduced price through a data processing         system;     -   analyzing the sample according to an applicable uniform standard         of chemical and physical characteristics and methods;     -   inputting the analyses into the data processing system;     -   receiving, at the data processing system, a requirement for the         first specialty chemical from a prospective purchaser; and     -   outputting, from the data processing system, an indicium of the         batch and the reduced selling price to a prospective purchaser         if the analyses of the batch satisfies the requirement         established by the prospective purchaser.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and that many variations can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. 

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A method for use in conjunction with a data processing system including a computer and a data storage device, wherein the method comprises: receiving, at the data processing system, a requirement from a prospective purchaser for a first chemical, wherein the requirement is based on a uniform standard for the first chemical; comparing, by the computer, the requirement to analyses of batches of the first chemical to identify a batch that satisfies the requirement, wherein the analyses are stored in the data storage device and the batches are available for purchase from at least two suppliers through the data processing system; and outputting, from the data processing system, an indicium of the identified batch to the prospective purchaser.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprising compiling statistics in the data processing system, wherein the statistics comprise information about purchases of the first chemical and purchases of other chemicals facilitated by the data processing system.
 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising outputting the statistics to an entity that pays money to receive the statistics.
 23. The method of claim 20 further comprising developing the uniform standard, wherein the uniform standard is developed by owners/operators of the data processing system.
 24. The method of claim 20 further comprising pricing the identified batch of the first chemical at a price below a price at which the first chemical is normally sold, and wherein the indicium does not provide any information that identifies the supplier of the identified batch.
 25. The method of claim 20 comprising: obtaining further analyses of further batches of the first chemical, wherein the further batches are analyzed in accordance with the uniform standard established for the first chemical; and updating an inventory database contained in the data storage device by inputting the further analyses into the inventory database.
 26. The method of claim 25 comprising: obtaining analyses of batches of a second chemical, wherein the batches are analyzed in accordance with a uniform standard established for the second chemical; and updating the inventory database by inputting the analyses of batches of the second chemical into the inventory database.
 27. The method of claim 20 comprising storing the requirement in a requirements database in the data storage device.
 28. The method of claim 20 wherein the requirement comprises an allowable range of values for at least some physical and chemical characteristics that define the uniform standard, wherein the method further comprises: assigning a rank to at least one of the physical characteristics or chemical characteristics in the requirement, wherein a value of the rank indicates a relative importance of satisfying the one physical characteristic or chemical characteristic in determining whether or not a batch satisfies the requirement.
 29. A method comprising: receiving, at a data processing system, analyses of batches of a first chemical; storing the analyses in an inventory database, wherein a data storage device in the data processing system stores the database; offering the batches of the first chemical for sale through the data processing system, wherein the offering enables a prospective purchaser to submit a requirement for the first chemical; receiving, at the data processing system, the requirement from the prospective purchaser in response to the offering; and identifying, using the data processing system, a batch of the first chemical offered for sale through the data processing system that satisfies the requirement by comparing the requirement, using a computer in the data processing system, to the analyses stored in the inventory database.
 30. The method of claim 29 further comprising transmitting an indicium of the identified batch to the prospective purchaser.
 31. The method of claim 30 wherein the indicium does not provide the name of the supplier of the identified batch.
 32. The method of claim 30 wherein the indicium does not provide a brand name of the first chemical in the identified batch.
 33. The method of claim 29 wherein the batches of the first chemical are from at least two suppliers.
 34. The method of claim 29 further comprising compiling statistics in said data processing system, wherein the statistics comprise information about purchases of the first chemical and purchases of other chemicals facilitated by the data processing system.
 35. The method of claim 34 further comprising outputting the statistics to an entity that pays money to receive the statistics.
 36. A data processing system comprising: a data storage device for storing an inventory database comprising analyses of each batch of a plurality of batches of a first chemical, wherein each analysis is the result of testing a sample from each batch in accordance with a uniform standard established for the first chemical; a network interface for communicating between the data processing system and at least one of a testing facility that performs the testing according to the uniform standard, a supplier of a batch of the first chemical, a prospective purchaser, and a subscriber; and a computer for: (i) offering for sale the batches of the first chemical, (ii) receiving requirements according to the uniform standard for the first chemical, wherein the requirements are submitted by the prospective purchaser via the network interface, and (iii) identifying, from the analyses of the first chemical in the inventory database, a batch of the first chemical that satisfies the requirement from the prospective purchaser.
 37. The data processing system of claim 36 wherein the computer is also for transmitting an indicium of the identified batch to the prospective purchaser.
 38. The data processing system of claim 37 wherein the indicium does not provide any information that identifies the supplier of the identified batch.
 39. The data processing system of claim 36 wherein the batches of the first chemical are from at least two suppliers. 